There is a vineyard-laboratory in the heart of Palermo that is becoming a regular stop for scholars and tourists

A small restyling has taken place at the Vigna del Gallo, a guardian of biodiversity and open-air laboratory located inside Palermo’s historic Botanical Garden, home to no fewer than 5,000 plant species. Seven years after its inauguration, on the site where the vineyard of Sant’Erasmo once stood, the vineyard dedicated to Diego Planeta now spans 200 square metres and houses 65 biotypes of ancient native grape varieties (such as muscaredda, corinto bianco, cutrera, zuccaratu, visparola, to name a few).

It is a priceless genetic heritage made possible through the efforts of the Sicilia DOC Wine Consortium, the city’s museum network, and the University of Palermo. The recognition it has received from the Urban Vineyard Association is turning it into an international tourist destination for the curious and for scholars, with workshops, guided tours and tastings.